Systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-removal DVE

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE). In one aspect, a method involves selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal DVE stored in the stunt switcher; selecting a second log-entry from the traffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC) and a start time; causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; making a determination that a threshold time-period remains in a show portion of the VC; and responsive to making the determination that the threshold time-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bug overlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/828,682entitled “Systems and Methods for Causing a Stunt Switcher to Run aDVE,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,150, entitled “Systems andMethods for Causing a Stunt Switcher to Run a Bug-Overlay DVE,” U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/828,939, entitled “Systems and Methodsfor Causing a Stunt Switcher to Run a Bug-Overlay DVE with AbsoluteTiming Restrictions,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,368,entitled “Systems and Methods for Causing a Stunt Switcher to Run aSnipe-Overlay DVE,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,017,entitled “Systems and Methods for Causing a Stunt Switcher to Run aMulti-Video-Source DVE,” all of which are commonly assigned to theassignee of the present application, are being filed simultaneously withthe present application, and are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety.

USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivativesof such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless theparticular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:

-   -   “a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”    -   “the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”    -   the term “video” refers to any material represented in a video        format (i.e., having multiple frames). In some instances, video        may include multiple sequential frames that are identical or        nearly identical, and that may give the impression of a still        image. Video may or may not include an audio portion.    -   the term “video component” (VC) refers to video that one of        ordinary skill in the art would typically consider to be        self-contained, and that is typically separately scheduled by a        traffic system (also referred to as a scheduling-and-sequencing        system) of a television-broadcasting system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed systems and methods relate generally totelevision-broadcasting technology.

BACKGROUND

A television-broadcasting system typically includes a traffic systemthat performs functions related to broadcast scheduling. For example,the traffic system may facilitate the creation of a traffic-log (log),which is a broadcast schedule for a given station during a given timeperiod. The log may include multiple ordered log entries, each of whichmay correspond to a VC. Each log entry may also include scheduling datafor the video, and therefore the log may generally represent thescheduled sequence of VCs intended to be broadcast during thecorresponding time period.

There are several types of VCs, non-limiting examples of which include ashow-segment VC, a commercial VC, and a promotion VC. A show-segment VCconsists of at least a portion of a show, and potentially one or morecommercials. A show may be, for example, an episode of a sitcom, a newsprogram, or a movie. A commercial VC consists of a single commercial.Typically, a television-broadcasting company broadcasts a commercial VCin exchange for payment or other compensation from the provider of thecommercial VC. A promotion VC consists of video that promotes somethingsuch as an event or another VC. Unlike a commercial VC, thetelevision-broadcasting company typically does not receive a payment orother compensation from a third-party for broadcasting the promotion VC.

The traffic system may communicate with a master control system (MCS),which is the technical hub of a television-broadcasting system and istypically the final point before video is sent to an air-chain systemfor broadcast. More specifically, the traffic system typicallycommunicates with an automation system of the MCS. The automation systemis the logic center of the MCS and may cause the MCS and/or anotherentity to perform various functions.

Through a communication path, the traffic system may provide the log tothe automation system, such that the automation system may traverse andselect log entries. The automation system may then cause the MCS and/oranother entity to perform certain functions for each selected log-entryat an appropriate time (i.e., based on the corresponding schedulingdata). For example, the automation system may cause arecording-and-playout device (RAPD) to retrieve and playout a stored VCsuch that it may be channeled through one or more entities within theMCS (e.g., routers and switchers), and sent to an air-chain system forbroadcast. In another example, the automation system may cause astreaming VC received from a streaming-video source (SVS) to bechanneled through the MCS and sent to the air-chain system forbroadcast.

In some instances, when video is channeled through the MCS, the videomay be channeled through a stunt switcher of the MCS. The stunt switcherperforms functions related to digital-video effects (DVE) (sometimesreferred to as “stunt work”). For example, the stunt switcher may run aDVE, which dynamically manipulates video that is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method for use in a television-broadcasting systemhaving a stunt switcher is disclosed. The method involves (i) selectinga first log-entry from a traffic-log (log), wherein the first log-entrycorresponds to a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE) stored in thestunt switcher; (ii) selecting a second log-entry from the log, whereinthe second log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC)and a start time; (iii) causing the VC to start being channeled throughthe stunt switcher proximate the start time; (iv) making a determinationthat a threshold time-period remains in a show portion of the VC; and(v) responsive to making the determination that the thresholdtime-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stuntswitcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bugoverlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher.

In another aspect, another method for use in a television-broadcastingsystem having a stunt switcher is disclosed. The method involves (i)selecting a first log-entry from a log, wherein the first log-entrycorresponds to a bug-removal DVE stored in the stunt switcher; (ii)selecting a second log-entry from the log, wherein the second log-entrycorresponds to a show-segment VC and a start time; (iii) causing the VCto start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the starttime; and (iv) causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-removalDVE proximate an end of a show portion of the VC, thereby removing anybug overlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeledthrough the stunt switcher.

In another aspect, a television-broadcasting system includes a (i) stuntswitcher; and (ii) an automation system having a computer-readablemedium including a set of program instructions, that when executed bythe automation system, cause the automation system to perform a set offunctions. The set of functions includes (i) selecting a first log-entryfrom a log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal DVEstored in the stunt switcher; (ii) selecting a second log-entry from thelog, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segment VC and astart time; (iii) causing the VC to start being channeled through thestunt switcher proximate the start time; (iv) making a determinationthat a threshold time-period remains in a show portion of the VC; and(v) responsive to making the determination that the thresholdtime-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stuntswitcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bugoverlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example television-broadcastsystem.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example traffic system.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example recording-and-playoutsystem.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an example streaming-videosource.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example master controlsystem.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an example air-chain system.

FIG. 7A shows a first part of a flow chart illustrating functions inaccordance with an example method.

FIG. 7B shows a second part of the flow chart of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating functions in accordance withanother example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I. Overview

In the television-broadcasting industry, traffic systems are provided bymultiple vendors and often include distinguishing features. However, fora variety of reasons such as to provide compatibility, many trafficsystems create logs according to a general industry-wide standard.Likewise, many automation systems are configured to receive and processlogs based on this standard. A log entry based on this standard mayinclude certain attributes, including for example a house identifier, asource identifier, a start time, a duration, an episode number, asegment number, and/or an one or more auxiliary notations. Theseattributes may be generated automatically (e.g., by the traffic system)or may be provided by a user such as a traffic manager.

Typically, a log entry includes one of either a house identifier or asource identifier. If the log entry corresponds to a stored VC, the logentry typically includes a house identifier (sometimes called a “housenumber”), which identifies the VC. Typically, the house identifier is aunique identifier within a given television-broadcasting system, andmaps to a file location in a data storage where the VC is stored. Assuch, by obtaining the house identifier of a log entry, the automationsystem may use a mapping table to determine the appropriate filelocation, and may then retrieve the VC that is stored in that filelocation. Alternatively, if the log entry corresponds to a streaming VC,the log entry may include a source identifier, which identifies an SVS(e.g., via a mapping table) that provides the streaming VC

The start time may indicate the intended start time of a correspondingVC. The start time may be represented as an absolute start time or as acalculated start time. A calculated start time indicates that the starttime is when the preceding log entry gets “completed” (i.e., when the VCor streaming video of the previous log entry has played for itscorresponding duration). In some instances, the start time may beunknown until it occurs, and therefore the start time may be representedas a manual start time. In such instances, the corresponding VC is notstarted until a request is received from a user or a device. Theduration indicates the duration of the corresponding VC. In someinstances, the duration may be unknown and therefore it may not beincluded in the log entry. The episode number identifies a particularepisode of a show, and the segment number identifies a particularsegment number of a show. The episode number and the segment number areincluded in a log entry that corresponds to a show-segment VC. The oneor more auxiliary notations are typically notes that are reviewed by auser (e.g., a traffic manager may provide a note to a master controloperator about the corresponding log entry).

The above-described attributes may be stored in corresponding fields inthe log entry. For example, the house identifier may be stored in ahouse-identifier field and the one or more auxiliary notations may bestored in one or more auxiliary-notation fields. Two examples ofwell-known traffic systems that use the attributes as described aboveinclude WO Traffic provided by WideOrbit Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.,and OSi-Traffic™ provided by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

As discussed above, after an automation system selects a log entry, theautomation system may channel the corresponding VC through a stuntswitcher, at which time the stunt switcher may run a DVE to dynamicallymanipulate the video. Running the DVE in this manner typically occurs inresponse to a user submitting a request to the stunt switcher via a userinterface of the stunt switcher.

Submitting such a request to the stunt switcher may be a time-sensitiveevent. For example, consider a particular type of DVE, namely abug-overlay DVE. A bug-overlay DVE is a DVE that is configured tooverlay a graphic or short video on video. For example, a bug-overlayDVE may be configured to overlay a small “ch. 9” graphic on the lowerright-hand corner of the video. In some instances, it may be desired tooverlay the graphic only during a show portion of a show-segment VC.Therefore, in one example, a few second after a show-segment VC starts,a user may submit a request to the stunt switcher to run the bug-overlayDVE. Then, a few seconds before the end of the show portion of theshow-segment VC, the user may submit a request to the stunt switcher torun another type of DVE, namely a bug-removal DVE that removes theoverlayed bug.

Among other things, this process is manually intensive and is prone toerror as it requires a user to constantly monitor the log and thecurrent time to determine when a bug-overlay DVE and a bug-removal DVEshould be run before submitting an appropriate request to the stuntswitcher.

This process may be improved by configuring a log entry such that thelog entry may trigger the running of a bug-overlay DVE at an appropriatetime. Accordingly, a user such as a traffic manager may use a log as amechanism for scheduling bug-overlay DVEs. Techniques for overlaying abug in this manner are described in cross-referenced U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/682,632, entitled “Systems and Methods forCausing a Stunt Switcher to Run a Bug Overlay DVE.”

The disclosed systems and methods further improve upon this process byconfiguring a log entry such that the log entry may trigger the runningof a bug-removal DVE at an appropriate time. Accordingly, a user such asa traffic manager may use a log as a mechanism for schedulingbug-removal DVEs.

In one example, a log entry includes an identifier that maps to a set ofscripts that, when executed, cause an automation system to cause a stuntswitcher to run a bug-removal DVE. Further, the identifier may be storedin the house-identifier field of the log entry, such that it may be“disguised” as a house identifier as described above. Among otherthings, this allows the disclosed systems and methods to provide theabove-described functionality while adhering to protocols used by manyexisting traffic systems such as those identified above.

II. Example Television-Broadcasting System

FIG. 1 shows an example television-broadcasting system, generallydesignated 100. The television-broadcast system 100 may be configured toperform a variety of functions that relate to television broadcasting.The television-broadcasting system 100 may include a traffic system 200,a recording-and-playout system (RAPS) 300, an SVS 400, a MCS 500, and anair-chain system 600. The MCS 500 may serve as the hub of thetelevision-broadcasting system 100 and may connect to each of thetraffic system 200, the RAPS 300, the SVS 400, and the air-chain system600. Generally, the television-broadcasting system 100 may be configuredsuch that video may be sent from the RAPS 300, the SVS 400, or anothersource, through the MCS 500, and to the air-chain system 600 forbroadcast.

A. Traffic System

FIG. 2 shows the traffic system 200 in greater detail. The trafficsystem 200 may be configured for creating and sending a log to the MCS500, and may include a data storage 202 and a communication interface204, both of which may be connected to each other via a connectionmechanism (e.g., a bus) 206. The traffic system 200 may be configured tostore logs in the data storage 202, and to send the stored logs, via thecommunication interface 204, to the MCS 500. As discussed above, twoexample traffic systems are WO Traffic provided by WideOrbit Inc. of SanFrancisco, Calif., and OSi-Traffic™ provided by Harris Corporation ofMelbourne, Fla.

B. RAPS

FIG. 3 shows the RAPS 300 in greater detail. The RAPS 300 may beconfigured to record and playout VCs for use by the MCS 500, and mayinclude a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) 302, a data storage 304, amanagement system 306, and a communication interface 308, each of whichmay be connected to each other via a connection mechanism 310.

The RAPD 302 may be configured to record VCs (e.g., a VC retrieved fromthe data storage 304) and playout (i.e. send) VCs, via the MCS 500, tothe air-chain system 600. The RAPD 302 may include a data storage 312and an output 314, both of which may be connected to each other by aconnection mechanism (not shown). The data storage 312 may be used forstoring VCs that may be sent via the output 314. The management system306 may be configured to manage the RAPD 302 by organizing and movingVCs back-and-forth between the RAPD and the data storage 304. Thecommunication interface 308 may connect the RAPS 300 to the MCS 500 orto another entity. An example of a RAPD is the K2 server provided byGrass Valley™ of San Francisco, Calif.

C. SVS

FIG. 4 shows the SVS 400 in greater detail. The SVS 400 is a sourceconfigured to send streaming video (e.g., a streaming VC) via an output402. Streaming video is often received at or shortly before the timewhen the video is broadcast. In one example, the SVS 400 may sendstreaming video based on the high-definition serial digital interface(HD-SDI) standard with a data transfer rate of 1.485 Gbps. An example ofan SVS is a satellite (e.g., that streams so-called “network television”video) or a newsroom production control system.

D. MCS

FIG. 5 shows the MCS 500 in greater detail. The MCS 500 may beconfigured to receive video, channel the video through one or moresources, and send the video to the air-chain system 600 for broadcast.In one example, the MCS 500 includes a router 502, a stunt switcher 504,a bypass switcher 506, and an automation system 508, each of which maybe connected to each other by a connection mechanism (not shown).

1. Router

The router 502 may be configured to channel video by mapping inputs tooutputs, and may include one or more inputs, including for example, afirst input 512 and a second input 514, and one or more outputs,including for example, a first output 516 and a second output 518. Therouter 502 may also include a communication interface (not shown). Theinputs 512, 514, the outputs 516, 518, and the communication interfacemay each be connected to each other by a connection mechanism (notshown). Notably, a router may and often does have more inputs thanoutputs such that it may connect many sources to relatively fewerdestinations.

The RAPD 302 may be connected to the router 502 via the output 314 andthe input 512. The SVS 400 may be connected to the router 502 via theoutput 402 and the input 514. An example of a router is the BlackmagicDesign Videohub provided by Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. Of Fremont,Calif.

2. Stunt Switcher

The stunt switcher 504 may be configured to channel video by mappinginputs to outputs, and may include one or more inputs, including, forexample, a first input 520 and a second input 522, and one or moreoutputs, including, for example, an output 524. The stunt switcher 504may also include a user interface 528, a data storage 529, and acommunication interface (not shown).

The inputs 520, 522, the output 524, the user interface 528, the datastorage 529, and the communication interface may each be connected toeach other by a connection mechanism (not shown). The router 502 may beconnected to the stunt switcher 504 via the output 516 and the input520. The router 502 may also be connected to the stunt switcher 504 viathe output 518 and the input 522. Like a router, a stunt switcher mayand often does have more inputs than outputs such that it may connectmany sources to relatively fewer destinations. An example of a stuntswitcher is the Miranda NVISION NVS5100MC provided by NVision, Inc. ofCoppell, Tex.

The stunt switcher 504 may further be configured to perform variousfunctions related to DVEs. A DVE is an effect module (e.g., in the formof a set of program instructions) that is configured to be executed or“run.” When run, a DVE dynamically manipulates video being channeledthrough the stunt switcher. Running a DVE may involve using one or morelayers known as “keys” to overlay graphics, video, or other media onvideo. In some instances, running a DVE may involve simply “resetting”the keys, thereby removing any media being overlayed as a result ofanother DVE being run.

The stunt switcher 504 may be configured to assist a user in designing aDVE, such as via the user interface 528. Once a DVE is designed, thestunt switcher 504 may store the DVE in the data storage 529. In oneexample, the stunt switcher may store DVEs in respective DVE registerswithin the data storage 529. The stunt switcher 504 may also store mediaused in connection with the DVE in the data storage 529. This allows thestunt switcher 504 to retrieve media as needed. For example, whenrunning a DVE, the stunt switcher 504 may retrieve media from aparticular graphic or video register in the data storage 529 asindicated by the DVE. Media may be stored in the data storage 529 in avariety of manners, such as via a file transfer protocol (FTP). As such,by overwriting media stored in the data storage 529, the result of a DVEthat is run may be changed.

Once a DVE is designed and stored in the data storage 529, the stuntswitcher 504 may then retrieve and run the DVE. In some instances, thismay occur in response to a request being received from a user (e.g., viathe user interface 528) or from the automation system 508. Accordingly,when a stunt switcher runs a DVE, a VC that is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher 504 may be dynamically manipulated. This manipulatedvideo may then be sent through the bypass switcher 506 and to theair-chain system 600 for broadcast as described in greater detail below.

As noted above, one example type of DVE is a bug-overlay DVE. Abug-overlay DVE is a DVE that is configured to overlay a graphic orvideo (referred to herein as a “bug”) on video as it is channeledthrough the stunt switcher 504. For example, a bug-overlay DVE may beconfigured to (when run) overlay a graphic (referred to herein as a “buggraphic”) such as a small “ch. 9” graphic or other station logo graphicon the lower right-hand corner of the video. As another example, abug-overlay DVE may be configured to (when run) overlay a short-durationvideo (referred to herein as a “bug video”) on the lower right-handcorner of the video. A bug-video is typically less than five seconds andis typically configured to be played in a looping fashion. As such, thebug video may have a last frame that smoothly transitions into the firstframe. This may create the illusion of a continuously “moving” buggraphic (e.g., a spinning station logo graphic) being overlayed onvideo. In some instances, a bug may be partially transparent such thatit does not completely block the underlying video. This is sometimesreferred to as a ghost bug.

Another example type of DVE is a bug-removal DVE. A bug-removal DVE isconfigured to (when run) remove an overlayed bug. In some instances, abug-removal DVE may simply “reset” all keys such that no overlayingmedia or other effects remain, thereby ensuring that any overlayed bugis removed from the video as the video is being channeled through thestunt switcher.

3. Bypass Switcher

The bypass switcher 506 may be configured to channel video by mappinginputs to outputs. The bypass switcher 506 may include at least oneinput including, for example, a first input 530 and a second input 532,and at least one output including, for example, an output 534. Thebypass switcher 506 may also include a communication interface (notshown). The inputs 530, 532, the output 534, and the communicationinterface may all be connected to each other by a connection mechanism(not shown). The stunt switcher 504 may be connected to the bypassswitcher 506 via the output 524 and the input 530. The stunt switcher504 may be connected to the bypass switcher 506 via the output 524 andthe input 530. A bypass switcher may and often does have multiple inputsand a single output such that it may connect many sources to relativelyfewer destinations.

Accordingly, provided that the router 502, the stunt switcher 504, andthe bypass switcher 506 all have the appropriate input-to-outputmappings, a VC sent from the RAPD 302 to the MCS 500 may be channeledthrough the entities in the MCS and sent out the MCS. Likewise, providedthat the router 502, the stunt switcher 504, and the bypass switcher 506all have the appropriate input-to-output mappings, streaming video sentfrom the SVS 400 to the MCS 500 may be channeled through the entities inthe MCS and sent out the MCS.

In some instances, a source (e.g., the SVS 400) may be connected to thebypass switcher 506 (e.g., via the output 402 and the input 532). Adistribution amplifier (not shown) may be used to split the output ofthe SVS 400 such that it may be sent to both the router 502 and thebypass switcher 506. This configuration may provide for a back-upsolution in the event that a device such as the router 502 or stuntswitcher 504 malfunctions. If such an event occurs while using thisconfiguration, a master control operator may simply change theinput-to-output mappings on the bypass switcher 506 to cause the sourceto send video to the air-chain system 600 for broadcast.

4. Automation System

The automation system 508 may be configured to perform or to causeperformance of one or more functions related to thetelevision-broadcasting system 100. The automation system 508 mayinclude a processor 538, a data storage 540, a user-interface 542 (e.g.,including a display device), and a communication interface 544, all ofwhich may be connected by a connection mechanism (not shown). Theprocessor 538 may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g.,microprocessors) and/or special-purpose processors (e.g., digital signalprocessors and/or application specific integrated circuits).

The data storage 550 may include one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile storage components and may be integrated in whole or inpart with the processor 538. The data storage 450 may take the form of anon-transitory computer-readable medium and may include a set of programinstructions, that when executed by the automation system 508 (e.g., bythe processor 538), cause performance of a set of functions. Forexample, the automation system 508 may cause the RAPS 300, the SVS 400,the MCS 500, the air-chain system 600, an entity included therein,and/or another entity to perform one of more of the functions describedin this disclosure. The automation system 508 may cause such functionsto be performed by sending instructions and/or other data via acorresponding communication interface and/or connection mechanism to theappropriate device.

The automation system 508 may receive data via the same path. In oneexample, the automation system 508 sends and receives data according toa video disk control protocol (VDCP). For example, the automation system508 may receive from the bypass switcher 506, an indication of theinput-to-output mappings used by the bypass switcher such that theautomation system may determine whether the scheduled video was actuallysent to the air-chain system for broadcast. The automation system 508may use these indications to generate an as-run log, which is a reportof what was actually broadcast.

In some instances, the automation system 508 may perform functionsdescribed herein as being performed by the traffic system 200. Likewise,in some instances, the traffic system 200 may perform functionsdescribed herein as being performed by the automation system 508. Thismay be the case, for example, where the traffic system 200 and theautomation system 508 operate using a “live log” approach, where thetraffic system 200 may be configured to query the automation system 508,manage the log and make scheduling-related decisions itself, and providelog entries (perhaps one at a time) to the automation system forprocessing

E. Air-Chain System

FIG. 6 shows the air-chain system 600 in greater detail. The air-chainsystem 600 may be configured to prepare and broadcast video receivedfrom the MCS 500 to an audience. The air-chain system 600 may include anencoder 602 and an outbound-broadcast device (OBD) 604.

The encoder 602 may be configured to receive video from a source entity,generate a transport stream (TS) (that includes the video), and send thegenerated TS to a destination entity. The TS may be described asincluding video, meaning that the TS includes the encoded representationof the video, among other things. The encoder 602 may include an input606 and an output 608, each of which may be connected by a connectionmechanism (not shown). The bypass switcher 506 may be connected to theencoder 602 via the output 534 and the input 606.

In one example, the encoder 602 may generate a TS by, among otherthings, encoding video based on the HD-SDI standard to video based onthe MPEG 2 standard. An example of an encoder is the NetVX provided byHarris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

The OBD 604 may be configured to receive a TS from a source entity, andbroadcast the TS (i.e., including video) to multiple destinationentities for viewing by an audience. The OBD 604 may include an input610, and the encoder 602 may be connected to the OBD via the output 608and the input 610.

It should be noted that the term television-broadcast as used in thisdisclosure refers broadly to the distribution of video to an audience,and is not meant to be limited to distribution of video in anyparticular manner. Accordingly, the OBD 604 may take the form of atransmitter, satellite, or terrestrial fiber transmitter (e.g., any ofwhich may correspond with a service provider). As another example, theOBD 604 may also take the form of a network connection (e.g., forbroadcasting the TS to an audience via the Internet).

The television-broadcasting system 100 described above is onenon-limiting example. Indeed, the disclosed systems may include some orall of the entities discussed above, and may be arranged in differentways as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

III. Example Methods

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a flow chart illustrating functions in accordancewith an example method. At block 702, the method may involve theautomation system 508 selecting (i.e., retrieving or accessing) a firstlog-entry from a log. Unlike a typical log-entry that corresponds to aVC, the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal DVE that is storedin the data storage 529 of the stunt switcher 504. An example manner inwhich the first log-entry may correspond with the bug-removal DVE isdescribed in greater detail below. The first log-entry may alsocorrespond to a start time (e.g., as represented by an absolute,calculated or manual start time stored in a start time-field of thefirst log-entry).

The automation system 508 may select the first log-entry according tothe corresponding start time. For example, if the first log entryincludes a start time represented as an absolute start time, theautomation system 508 may select the first log-entry at the absolutestart time (i.e., when a current time matches the absolute start time).As another example, if the first log-entry includes a start timerepresented as a calculated start time, the automation system 508 mayselect the first log-entry when the preceding log entry gets “completed”(e.g., when the VC of the previous log entry has played for itscorresponding duration). Notably, in some instances the automationsystem 508 may select the first log-entry “ahead of schedule” (e.g.,three hours before the start time). This may allow the automation system508 and/or another entity to perform or prepare to perform certainfunctions in advance of the start time.

The first log-entry may also include a duration (e.g., in a durationfield of the first log-entry). However, since the first log-entry doesnot correspond to a VC, but rather to a bug-removal DVE, the firstlog-entry may include a zero duration. As a result, the automationsystem 508 does not “pause” on the first log-entry when traversing thelog (as it would for a log-entry that corresponds to a VC). In someinstances, a traffic system may be configured to prevent use of a logentry having a zero duration. In such instances, it may be desired toconfigure the first log-entry with a nominal duration (e.g., one second)such that the traffic system deems the first log-entry acceptable.

At block 704, the method may involve the automation system 508 selectinga second log-entry from the traffic log. The second log-entry maycorrespond to a show-segment (or other type of) VC. In one example, thesecond log-entry includes a house identifier (e.g., stored in ahouse-identifier field of the log entry) that maps to the VC. Theautomation system 508 may select the second log-entry in a mannersimilar to that of the first log-entry.

The second log-entry may also correspond to the start time. Therefore,both the first and second log-entries may correspond to the same starttime. For example, both the first and second log-entries may have thesame absolute start time (e.g., stored in respective start-time fields).Alternatively, the second log-entry may have a calculated start time andmay be the next log entry after the first log-entry to have a non-zeroduration. As such, the first and second log-entries correspond to thesame time.

The second log entry may also include a duration. The duration indicatesthe duration of the VC, and therefore the duration is a non-zeroduration. This results in the automation system 508 “pausing” on thesecond log-entry for the duration of the VC (e.g., for the duration ofthe VC recorded in the RAPD 302).

At block 706, the method may involve the automation system 508 causingthe VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher 504 proximate(i.e., at or near) the start time. For example, the automation system508 may cause the RAPD 302 to retrieve the VC, channel it through theMCS 500 (and the included stunt switcher 504) and send it to theair-chain system 600 for broadcast. Since the RAPD retrieving the VC maytake a few seconds, the automation system 508 may begin performing therelated functions in advance of the start time such that the VC ischanneled through the stunt switcher 504 proximate the start time.

At block 708, the method may involve the automation system 508 making adetermination that a threshold time-period remains in a show portion ofthe VC. At block 710, the method may involve responsive to theautomation system 508 making the determination that the thresholdtime-period remains in the show portion of the VC, the automation systemcausing the stunt switcher 504 to run the stored bug-removal DVE. As aresult, the automation system 508 may remove any bug overlayed on the VCas a remainder of the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher504 (i.e., after the bug-removal DVE has been run).

The threshold time-period may therefore dictate when the bug-removal DVEis run, and may be set (e.g., by a user) as desired. For example, bysetting the threshold time-period as fifteen seconds, the automationsystem 508 may cause the stunt switcher 504 to run the bug-removal DVEfifteen seconds before the end of the show portion of the VC. Forexample, in the event that the VC consists of a show portion and abarter-VC portion (i.e., including one or more commercials), and wherethe show portion is before the barter-VC portion, the stunt switcher 504would run the bug-removal DVE approximately fifteen seconds before thestart of the barter-VC portion. As another example, in the event thatthe VC consists only of a show portion (i.e., it does not include abarter-VC portion), the stunt switcher 504 would run the bug-removal DVEapproximately fifteen seconds before the end of the VC. As such, thesecond log-entry may cause the VC to be broadcast, and the firstlog-entry may cause a bug-removal DVE to be run that removes anyoverlayed bug from the VC as the VC is being broadcast.

In one example, the automation system 508 causing the stunt switcher 504to run the bug-removal DVE may involve the automation system sending arequest to the stunt switcher 504 to run the bug-removal DVE (accordingto a protocol understood by the stunt switcher). In some instances, aparameter may be included in the log entry (e.g., in the one or moreauxiliary-notation fields) that may be used to identify and/or configurethe bug-removal DVE.

In some instances, it may be desired to track when the bug has beenremoved from the video. This may be particularly useful in connectionwith certain types of bugs, namely ones that involve advertisements thatmay be need to be tracked for billing purposes. As such, at block 712,the method may involve the automation system 508 adding an indicationthat the bug-removal DVE has been run to an as-run log. In one example,the automation system 508 may further indicate how long the bug wasoverlayed on video being broadcast, and/or the particular time when theremoval occurred.

In one example, the first log-entry may include an identifier that mapsto a set of scripts (or other program instructions), such asPHP-Hypertext-Preprocessor (PHP) scripts, that when executed by theautomation system 508 cause the automation system to perform one or moreof the functions, such as those at blocks 708 and 710 as describedabove. Notably, other types of scripts may also be used, including forexample customized scripts that are configured to perform functions in atelevision-broadcasting environment. Such scripts may be executed by acorresponding interpreter installed in the automation system 508. In oneexample, the identifier may be stored in a house-identifier field of thelog entry. The identifier may have a particular property (e.g., apredefined prefix) to allow the automation system 508 to differentiatebetween the identifier and a house identifier that is typically includedin a house-identifier field (e.g., as with the second log-entrydescribed above). As such, responsive to the automation system 508determining that the first log-entry includes the identifier, theautomation system 508 may execute the set of scripts and therefore,perform the corresponding functions. In one example, the automationsystem 508 may begin executing the set of scripts proximate the starttime.

A further description of the manner in which an automation system 508may use the identifier to trigger execution of the set of scripts isdescribed in cross-referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/828,682 entitled “Systems and Methods for Causing a Stunt Switcher toRun a DVE.”

In view of the discussion above, an example set of scripts is providedbelow (parameter descriptions are shown inside arrow brackets):

GET_END_OF_SHOW_PORTION_POSITION (<position1>)

SET_CALLBACK (<position2>, <label>)

<label>: RUN_EFFECT (<stunt switcher identifier>, <DVE identifier>)

EXIT

The “GET_END_OF_SHOW_PORTION_POSITION (<position1>)” determines theposition of the end of the show portion of the “current” show-segment VC(i.e., the VC that is being broadcast simultaneously when the script isrun). The command then returns the value of this position as position1.As such, the command “GET_END_OF_SHOW_PORTION_POSITION (P1)” wouldreturn the position of the end of the show portion of the current VC inP1. For example, in the event that the VC consists of a show portion anda barter-VC portion (i.e., including one or more commercials), thereturned P1 would be the start of the barter-VC portion. As anotherexample, in the event that the VC consists only of a show portion (i.e.,it does not include a barter-VC portion), the returned P1 would be theend of the VC. In one example, making a determination as to whether ornot the show-segment VC includes a barter-VC (and if so, making adetermination of the starting position of the barter-VC portion), may becarried out using the technique described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/629,497 entitled “Systems and Methods for ElectronicallyTagging a Video Component In a Video Package.”

The “SET_CALLBACK (<position2>, <label>)” command causes the automationsystem 508 to resume executing the set of scripts at the label upon theposition2 in the VC being reached. In one example, a function isembedded in the command to calculate <position2>. For example, thecommand “SET_CALLBACK (CALC(P1-15), LABEL))” may cause the automationsystem to calculate position2 as P1 (i.e., the end of the show portionof the VC) minus fifteen seconds (or another threshold time period).Therefore, at this time, execution of the set of scripts would resume(at the label).

The “<label>: RUN_EFFECT (<stunt switcher identifier>, <DVEidentifier>)” command may cause the automation system 508 to cause aparticular stunt switcher to run a particular effect number. Forexample, the command “<label>: RUN_EFFECT (504, 17)” may cause theautomation system 508 to cause stunt switcher 504 to run a particularbug-removal DVE identified as DVE 17 (stored in a data storage of thestunt switcher). By use of the stunt switcher identifier and the DVEidentifier, multiple scripts may be created to use various stuntswitchers and bug-removal DVEs as desired. Since the RUN_EFFECT commandis paired with the label, the RUN_EFFECT command is not executed untilthe label is reached. As such, in one example, the RUN_EFFECT commandmay not execute until the P1 minus fifteen seconds position of the VC isreached. As such, the bug is not removed until this time.

The “EXIT” command may terminate the automation system's 508 executionof the set of scripts. The example set of scripts used above is just oneexample, and many variations could be used. For instance, theSET_CALLBACK function may be configured to have an addition parameter,namely a <switch> parameter that may be designated WAIT or CONTINUE. AWAIT value indicates that the automation system 508 is to stop executingscripts until position 1 is reached, and then is to proceed withexecuting scripts starting at the label. Notably, this reflects thetechnique described in the example above. On the other hand, a CONTINUEvalue indicates that the automation system 508 is to execute all scriptsup to the label, and then when position1 is reached, proceed withexecuting scripts starting at the label.

The set of scripts may also be used to perform other functions,including for example adding an indication that the bug-removal DVE hasbeen run to an as-run log as described above. Further, the scripts mayprovide a “time out” period and a corresponding action to handle aninstance in which the set of scripts runs for longer than the time outperiod. For example, the action may involve simply terminating executionof the set of scripts.

By using an identifier that maps to a set of scripts in the mannerdescribed above, a user (e.g., a traffic manager) may include anappropriate identifier in a traffic entry of the log to easily cause astunt switcher to run a bug-removal DVE at a desired time, all asconfigured in the corresponding set of scripts. In one example, thesecond log-entry may be positioned as the next log-entry after the firstlog entry to have a non-zero duration. For example the log may includethe first log-entry followed immediately by the second log-entry. Sinceboth log entries have the same start time, the automation system 508 mayperform functions related to both log entries simultaneously, or perhapscontemporaneously. For example, the automation system 508 may cause a VCto be channeled through a stunt switcher, while simultaneously executinga set of scripts. As the set of scripts execute, the correspondingfunctions may be performed, and therefore any bug may be removed fromthe VC.

As a variation on the example method provided above, the automationsystem 508 may cause the stunt switcher 504 to run the bug-removal DVEwhen the show portion of the VC ends. FIG. 8 shows a flow chartillustrating functions in accordance with another example method thatemploys such a variation.

At block 802, the method involves the automation system 508 selecting afirst log-entry from a log. Again, the first log-entry may correspond toa bug-removal DVE. At block 804, the method may involve the automationsystem 508 selecting a second log-entry from the log. Again, the secondlog-entry may correspond to a show-segment (or other type of) VC and astart time. At block 806, the method may involve the automation system508 causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher504 proximate the start time. At block 808, the method may involve theautomation system 508 causing the stunt switcher 504 to run the storedbug-removal DVE proximate an end of a show portion of the VC, therebyremoving any bug overlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is beingchanneled through the stunt switcher. At block 810, the method mayinvolve the automation system 508 adding an indication that thebug-removal DVE has been run to an as-run log. Such functions may beperformed by way of an identifier that maps to them as described above.

IV. Example Variations

While one or more functions of the disclosed methods have been describedas being performed by the certain entities (e.g., the automation system508), the functions may be performed by any entity, such as thoseincluded in the television-broadcasting system 100 described above.Further, the described steps throughout this application need not beperformed in the disclosed order, although in some examples, an ordermay be preferred. Also, not all steps need to be performed to achievethe desired advantages of the disclosed systems and methods, andtherefore not all steps are required. Further, the variations describedthroughout this disclose may be applied to any of the disclosed systemsor methods.

Further, while select examples have been described, alterations andpermutations of these examples will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are alsopossible without departing from the disclosed systems and methods in itsbroader aspects as set forth in the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for use in atelevision-broadcasting system having a stunt switcher, the methodcomprising: selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein thefirst log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE)stored in the stunt switcher; selecting a second log-entry from thetraffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segmentvideo-component (VC) and a start time; causing the VC to start beingchanneled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; making adetermination that a threshold time-period remains in a show portion ofthe VC; and responsive to making the determination that the thresholdtime-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stuntswitcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bugoverlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a duration fieldof the first log-entry includes a zero duration value and wherein aduration field of the second log-entry includes a non-zero durationvalue.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second log-entry is thenext log entry after the first log-entry to have a duration field havinga non-zero duration value.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstlog-entry includes the start time represented as an absolute start time,and wherein the second log-entry includes the start time represented asthe absolute start time.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the VCconsists of the show portion.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the VCconsists of the show portion and a barter-VC portion, and wherein theshow portion is before the barter-VC portion.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the first log-entry includes a house-identifier field and anidentifier stored in the house-identifier field, wherein the identifiermaps to a set of program instructions that when executed causeperformance of the functions of (i) making the determination that thethreshold time-period remains in the show portion of the VC; and (ii)responsive to making the determination that the threshold time-periodremains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stunt switcher to runthe stored bug-removal DVE; and wherein the method further comprisesresponsive to determining that the first log-entry includes theidentifier, executing the set of program instructions.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the set of program instructions comprises a set ofPHP-Hypertext-Preprocessor (PHP) scripts.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising: adding an indication that the bug-removal DVE hasbeen run to an as-run log.
 10. A method for use in atelevision-broadcasting system having a stunt switcher, the methodcomprising: selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein thefirst log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE)stored in the stunt switcher; selecting a second log-entry from thetraffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segmentvideo component (VC) and a start time; causing the VC to start beingchanneled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; andcausing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE proximatean end of a show portion of the VC, thereby removing any bug overlayedon the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled through the stuntswitcher.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein a duration field of thefirst log-entry includes a zero duration value and wherein a durationfield of the second log-entry includes a non-zero duration value. 12.The method of claim 10, wherein the second log-entry is the nextlog-entry after the first log entry to have a duration field having anon-zero duration value.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstlog-entry includes the start time represented as an absolute start time,and wherein the second log-entry includes the start time represented asthe absolute start time.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the VCconsists of the show portion.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the VCconsists of the show portion and a barter-VC portion, and wherein showportion is before the barter-VC portion.
 16. The method of claim 10,wherein the first log-entry includes a house-identifier field and anidentifier stored in the house-identifier field, wherein the identifiermaps to a set of program instructions that when executed causeperformance of the functions of causing the stunt switcher to run thestored bug-removal DVE proximate an end of a show portion of the VC; andwherein the method further comprises responsive to determining that thefirst log-entry includes the identifier, executing the set of programinstructions.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the set of programinstructions comprises a set of PHP-Hypertext-Preprocessor (PHP)scripts.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising: adding anindication that the bug-removal DVE has been run to an as-run log.
 19. Atelevision-broadcasting system comprising: a stunt switcher; and anautomation system having a computer-readable medium including a set ofprogram instructions, that when executed by the automation system, causethe automation system to perform a set of functions comprising:selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the firstlog-entry corresponds to a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE) storedin the stunt switcher; selecting a second log-entry from the trafficlog, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segmentvideo-component (VC) and a start time; causing the VC to start beingchanneled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; making adetermination that a threshold time-period remains in a show portion ofthe VC; and responsive to making the determination that the thresholdtime-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stuntswitcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bugoverlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled throughthe stunt switcher.
 20. The television-broadcasting system of claim 19,wherein a duration field of the first log-entry includes a zero durationvalue and wherein a duration field of the second log-entry includes anon-zero duration value.